PM Modi Visits Ahmedabad Air India Crash Site; Assures Support for Victims’ Families
Ahmedabad : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday visited the site of the devastating Air India crash in Ahmedabad, where Flight AI-171 bound for London tragically went down a day earlier, claiming 241 lives. The sole survivor, a British national of Indian origin, is currently receiving treatment at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital.
The aircraft, a Boeing 787, crashed minutes after takeoff from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, plummeting into the hostel complex of BJ Medical College at 1:38 p.m. IST on Thursday. The impact caused a massive blaze, triggering an immediate and large-scale emergency response.
“The scene of devastation is saddening,” the Prime Minister posted on X after surveying the wreckage. “Met officials and teams working tirelessly in the aftermath. Our thoughts remain with those who lost their loved ones in this unimaginable tragedy.”
Following the site visit, PM Modi met with the injured, including the sole survivor, at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. He also interacted with doctors and medical staff, assuring all necessary support. “Met those injured… and assured them that we are with them and their families in this tough time. The entire nation is praying for their speedy recovery,” he wrote in another post on X.
Later in the day, PM Modi chaired a high-level review meeting in Ahmedabad, attended by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu, State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi, and senior officials from both Central and State governments. The meeting focused on ongoing relief efforts and a roadmap for recovery.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who visited the crash site on Thursday, said DNA identification efforts are underway and will be expedited through Gujarat’s Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU). DNA samples from family members arriving from abroad are being collected on arrival.
A formal investigation has been launched by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), in line with international protocols under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Civil Aviation Minister Naidu announced the formation of a high-level expert committee to examine the incident and recommend enhanced safety measures.
The United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has confirmed it is sending a team to India to assist in the investigation. “The NTSB will be leading a team of US investigators… All official updates will be issued by the Indian government under ICAO protocols,” the agency said in a statement.
Rescue Operations Ongoing
Rescue and recovery operations continued overnight, with teams working to locate aircraft parts and assess damage to the crash site. Parts of the fuselage were found scattered around the smouldering building, and the tail section was discovered lodged atop the structure.
Air India CEO Campbell Wilson arrived in Ahmedabad early Friday. The airline has set up Friends & Relatives Assistance Centres at key airports Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, and London Gatwick to support the families of passengers. Emergency helplines have been activated: 1800 5691 444 (India) and +91 8062779200 (international).
Tata Group Announces Compensation
Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran announced a ₹1 crore compensation for the families of each deceased passenger. “We will also cover the medical expenses of the injured and ensure they receive full care and support. Additionally, we will help rebuild the BJ Medical hostel complex damaged in the crash,” he stated.
According to Air India, the flight carried 242 people, including passengers and crew. The passenger list included 169 Indian nationals, 53 British citizens, seven Portuguese, and one Canadian.
As the nation mourns, tributes and condolences have poured in from across the globe. The government has pledged full transparency and accountability in uncovering the causes of the crash and ensuring the highest safety standards going forward.
